MIDDLESBROUGH have admitted their ambitious bid to sign Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert is still in its infancy.

But chief executive Keith Lamb has told Northern Echo SPORT that the board will do all they can to ensure Boro do not miss the chance to sign the Barcelona superstar.

Barca have told Kluivert he can leave and the Teessiders are bracing themselves for a fight with a number of clubs, including Newcastle, for his signature.

Boro are determined to add proven quality in front of goal to their squad before the Premiership restart in August and Steve McClaren would love to have the Holland forward on board.

Kluivert's wage demands are sure to be high and talks are likely to be put on hold until after he has played in Euro 2004 in Portugal this summer.

And Lamb said: "I don't think our interest in Patrick Kluivert is a secret now.

"Steve McClaren and Steve Gibson have made it well known that we are in the hunt for quality strikers and Kluivert falls into that bracket.

"He is the sort of player that would excite the fans and fill the stadium for what is an important season for the club.

"We do have interest in him but any potential deal is still at a very early stage.

"It's difficult to progress it at present as the player is preparing for the European Championships with Holland. But we have started and we will try to move it forward in the near future."

Lamb's claims came just hours after Kluivert himself issued a 'come and get me' plea to English clubs - with Boro and Newcastle ready to lead the chase.

The 27-year-old revealed last night: "To go and play in England is certainly an option for me, but the options only exist when the offers are on the table.

"Neither me or my agent have had any contact with an English club or any other for that matter. We will consider the offers when they arrive.

"After six years Barca and I will go different ways and I think that it is a good time to look for another club.

"I have always said that England is one of my preferred countries and that I want to play there. There are enough clubs but nothing concrete."

Kluivert was one of four Dutch stars - along with Phillip Cocu, Marc Overmars and Michael Reiziger - who were told they are not wanted at Camp Nou.

And it is understood Boro will monitor Overmars as a potential alternative target to Bolo Zenden if the Chelsea midfielder rejects a return to the Riverside.

Boro sources say they are "going hell for leather'' in a bid to land Zenden, either on a permanent deal or by renewing his loan from Chelsea. But if not they could revive their interest in the left-sided Overmars, who came under consideration a year ago.

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